DON'T BE SAD:


 
 
 

I bought this book several months ago and I am
 

still reading it, and loving it, too. It isn't the kind
of book you read from cover to cover and then be
done with. This is the type of good food that you
nibble at every now and then; whether it's
counseling you're after, a shoulder to cry on,
or just plain companionship, keeping it close by
can be rewarding and might be just the shot you
need every now and then.

 

The book's title in English is neither unique nor
 

does it leave much to the imagination:
 

DON'T BE SAD. But the message given, while
 

universally acceptable, is unique to Islam. The
 

title is a direct translation of the original Arabic
 

version (La Tahzan) written in mind for the
 

challenged Muslim masses. The book is precise,
 

simple and accessible with a generous sprinkle
 

of poetry, true life stories struggles and
 

inspirational quotes from the Qur'an, prophetic
 

sayings and well-known contemporary thinkers

and scholars.

As the author rightly says in the introduction, this
 

book is about acting and rejoicing in what one
 

has and accepting the unavoidable with a
 

contented heart so as not togive in to despair and
 

hopelessness.
 

Don't you ever read too much into people's likes
 

or dislikes, warns the author. You'll never be safe
 

from people's censure or disapproval. They'll
 

always find fault with you: Even God is not spared.
 

So who are you?  Life is short and it's not meant
 

to be all roses, the author says, so approach it
 

with a pragmatic hassle free attitude…do your
 

part and leave the rest to God.
 

You don't have to be in the grip of sadness to
 

appreciate this book, nor is it a read for Muslims
 

only. I highly recommend it to anyone who
 

chooses to have a good opinion of himself and
 

wishes to keep things in perspective while he
 

holds on to his own sanity and optimism in a
 

world that's fast losing all sense and credibility.
 

Reviewed by Safi Abdi:
 

http://www.authorsden.com/safiabdi
To buy the book click here:
http://www.simplyislam.com/53061.html
Title: Don't be sad, Pages: 456
Author: 'Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al Qarnee
Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House
Genre: Self-Help/Inspirational
ISBN 9960-672-77-8 (hardcover)
        9960-672-90-5 (paperback)